Q&A for How to Buy a Firearm in Wisconsin

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Am I able still able to purchase a handgun if I am a permanent resident and meet all of the other requirements?

Community Answer

As long as your visa is in order (assuming you are from another country originally), you should still be able to. The law only prevents unlawful residents from obtaining handguns, such as those who did not enter through the proper channels.

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Question

How old do I have to be to get a firearm permit?

Community Answer

Wisconsin doesn't have a permit system in place. At 18 you can purchase a long gun, and at 21 you can purchase a handgun and/or get a concealed carry license. * Note that these are purchase age not possession age.

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Question

Do I need to have a hand gun to take the gun safety course?

Community Answer

That depends, some classes require it but most provide their own firearms or dummy-guns to practice with.

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Question

Can I open-carry a handgun in Wisconsin without a permit?

Community Answer

Yes, loaded or unloaded (assuming you have an active gun license for ownership of the handgun, and you are over the age of 18).

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Question

Can I buy a gun without a permit?

Community Answer

Yes. You do not need a permit to purchase a gun in the state of Wisconsin. This will vary for other states.

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Question

Can you have your rifle in a vehicle with you if you are 18, and what are the restrictions?

Community Answer

A rifle can be stored in sight or concealed but may not have ammunition in the chamber or magazine. It's best to keep the ammunition in the glove box. It also recommended that the firearm be kept out of reach when driving.

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Question

How long would it take to buy a long gun if I already have a concealed carry license?

Community Answer

A CCW license does not matter when buying a long gun. There is not a waiting period in Wisconsin for a handgun or rifle.

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If I purchase from a private party or get a gun as a gift, do I have to register it?

Community Answer

No. Wisconsin does not register guns.

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Question

Do I need to register a handgun purshased from a private seller at a gun show?

Community Answer

Depending on the state, it is always a good idea to check with your local police department, and if you were to have that gun stolen, it would need to be registered to your name to have it reported.

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Question

Can I buy a gun in another state if I'm not a resident of the state, but I own property there?

Community Answer

You are required to have a valid license depicting your current address. Though it may vary depending on the state laws, typically you will be subject to any background check or screening information regardless of owning a property there and have to have passed a gun safety test valid for that state.

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Question

Is there a fee for a background check in Wisconsin?

Community Answer

A background check is not required in Wisconsin for the purchase of a long arm. For a handgun, however, there is a required background check. It currently costs $13.00, which will be added to the price of the handgun when you purchase it.

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Question

Can I buy a gun in Wisconsin and give it to someone who lives in a different state?

Community Answer

The gun would have to have legal ownership transferred to that person, and you would have to abide by federal regulations about transporting a gun across state lines.

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Question

How do I buy a firearm when I have a history of mental problems?

Community Answer

The short answer is: you can't. Mental illness is one of the bars to purchasing firearms in Wisconsin. The longer answer is that if you can get psychiatric release from a licensed practitioner (in Wisconsin) stating that you no longer have mental issues and then go before a judge, it is possible that your mental health record may be expunged. You would then be eligible to purchase firearms. Keep in mind that even with the release, a judge is not compelled to expunge your record.

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Question

Can a resident of another state purchase a firearm in Wisconsin?

Community Answer

No, you would have to go through the process in your state so that it is legal.

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Question

If I have a DUI on my record, can I still buy a handgun?

Community Answer

Yes, as long as it wasn't a felony DUI conviction.

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Question

Can I buy or own a firearm if I have a first-offense OWI from a few years ago?

Community Answer

Yes. Only felony convictions, domestic violence convictions or active restraining orders would prevent firearm ownership.

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Question

Do I need to do the same process when buying multiple guns in Wisconsin, or can I just do one form for all of them?

Community Answer

You can buy multiple firearms all on the same form, and under a single background check. However, multiple handgun purchases within a 5-day period must be reported to the ATF by the firearms dealer.

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Question

What is the waiting period on buying a rifle in regards to the federal background check? Does the 3 day limit apply?

Community Answer

There is no waiting period for long guns or handguns in Wisconsin. The firearm can be transferred immediately upon passing the background check.

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Question

If I have a felony DUI conviction can I still purchase a firearm and get a concealed weapon carry permit?

Community Answer

You are banned by federal law and possibly state law from possession of a gun if you have a felony conviction.

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